Dubai’s RTA launches drone to monitor infrastructure projects

Thursday, 09 October 2014 09:30

Dubai’s RTA said that the use of drones will eliminate traditional steps used while following up on a project. (Image source: Don McCullough/Flickr)Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a drone service to monitor the progress of infrastructure projects in Dubai

The move is part of RTA’s efforts to have accurate information about all infrastructure projects, by using the latest technology, RTA said in a statement.

Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of RTA’s corporate technical support services sector, said, “We have recently conducted a practical test run by flying a drone to monitor the implementation phases of Jumeirah Beach Walk project, street lighting units, and completed phases of the Dubai Water Canal project.”

He added that the test has resulted in several benefits as it has provided a complete view of the sites and projects to follow up during the completion phases. The drone service will also help to reach areas that are usually considered inaccessible.

“Examples of such places are the upper parts of the metro stations, and underneath bridges to inspect or identify the parts that need maintenance,” Madani said.

An RTA official said that the remote-controlled device is capable of taking images of more than one location as the drone is programmable to access a series of places at once.

Mohammed al-Gergawi, minister of cabinet affairs, said that the drones would be tested for durability and efficiency for six months, before being introduced across Dubai. Services would initially include delivery of identity cards and driving licences.